US3563395A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic counter memory means for sorting systems
Assignee: Spra-Con Co
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Filing: 1970-01-19
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1990-01-19
Abstract
Abstract A memory means for a sorting system which includes conveyors which have separate article carrying means of the type having mechanisms for discharging articles when the article carrying means reach predetermined locations along the path of conveyor movement. The memory means comprise electronic counters operated in conjunction with the conveyor movement. The counters are connected to discharge mechanisms associated with the respective discharge locations situated adjacent the conveyor. Each counter is designed to operate the discharge mechanisms when a code unique to that counter is applied at a coding station and after the conveyor has moved a specified distance. Each counter has a plurality of terminals which may be alternatively selected to thereby vary the discharge position by distance increments.
Inventors
- 👤 Leo A Gary
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:47
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C3/00; B07C3/003; B07C3/006; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/34; B65G47/46; B65G47/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
In a sorting system wherein a plurality of spaced-apart article carrying means are associated with a conveyor, a loading station for depositing articles on the article carrying means, a plurality of discharge locations positioned along the path of conveyor movement, discharge means at said locations and memory means including means for receiving a code as an article is deposited on the conveyor, the memory means initiating automatic operation of discharge means for said articles when the articles reach a discharge location related to the code, the improvement wherein said memory means comprises an electronic counter associated with each of said discharge locations, a plurality of terminal means for each of said counters, pulse generating means connected to said electronic counters, said counters operating to deliver signals to said terminal means in sequence depending upon the number of pulses counted, means for connecting selected terminal means to said discharge means, coding means connected to each of said electronic counters and means for making the individual counters receptive to pulses from said pulse generating means depending upon the code applied by said coding means, said electronic counters initiating operation of an associated discharge means when the pulses introduced are sufficient to deliver a signal to the terminal means connected to the associated discharge means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
In a sorting system wherein a plurality of spaced-apart article carrying means are associated with a conveyor, a loading station for depositing articles on the article carrying means, a plurality of discharge locations positioned along the path of conveyor movement, discharge means at said locations and memory means including means for receiving a code as an article is deposited on the conveyor, the memory means initiating automatic operation of discharge means for said articles when the articles reach a discharge location related to the code, the improvement wherein said memory means comprises an electronic counter associated with each of said discharge locations, a plurality of terminal means for each of said counters, pulse generating means connected to said electronic counters, said counters operating to deliver signals to said terminal means in sequence depending upon the number of pulses counted, means for connecting selected terminal means to said discharge means, coding means connected to each of said electronic counters and means for making the individual counters receptive to pulses from said pulse generating means depending upon the code applied by said coding means, said electronic counters initiating operation of an associated discharge means when the pulses introduced are sufficient to deliver a signal to the terminal means connected to the associated discharge means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the pulse frequency is directly related to the speed of the conveyor whereby a specific distance of conveyor travel occurs for each pulse introduced into a counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein separate pulse sources are Provided, the frequency of one source being such that a substantially greater distance of conveyor travel occurs per pulse than is the case with the other source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein a plurality of separate terminals are provided for counters connected to each pulse source whereby multiples of a greater distance and multiples of a shorter distance may be combined for each discharge location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system in accordance with claim 3 including means for delaying the input of pulses from said other source until after all pulses from said one source have been counted by associated counters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said counters comprise shift registers connected for operation in series, a portion of said registers having a single output terminal whereby a plurality of pulses are required for developing one output signal, and a portion of said registers having a plurality of output terminals whereby an output signal is available for each pulse introduced to said last-mentioned registers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein the shift registers having a single output terminal receive pulses at a frequency allowing the greater distance of conveyor travel, and wherein the shift registers having a plurality of output terminals receive pulses at a frequency allowing both a greater and lesser distance of conveyor travel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for making the counters responsive to pulses from said pulse generating means include a signal transmitted from said coding means, and including means for synchronizing the input of said signal from said coding means with a pulse from said pulse generating means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system in accordance with claim 8 including means for storing a code immediately after operation of said coding means, said storing means operating to release said code to said counters upon introduction of a pulse from said pulse generating means into said storing means to thereby synchronize release of said code with a pulse from the pulse generating means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system in accordance with claim 9 wherein articles are deposited on the conveyor adjacent a coding station, means for sensing the presence of an article being coded at the coding station, and wherein said storing means operates to delay release of said code to said counters until the article coded is moved away from said sensing means and onto the conveyor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |